For the love of music: A conversation with Samara Joy

Music runs in Samara Joy’s veins.  

Samara’s musical roots run deep. Her grandparents were members of the Philadelphia gospel group, the Savettes. Samara’s father is a musician and songwriter. Her childhood was filled with musical influences from gospel and Motown to Disney movies. Her family loves music, and Samara is honouring her family through her music, using jazz to blend her inspirations and genres and creating her own sound. 

While she grew up singing and surrounded by music, it wasn’t until she attended the State University of New York at Purchase that Samara discovered her niche: jazz.  During her studies, Samara won the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition, which helped introduce her to a larger audience.  

Now just 25, Samara Joy is already a five-time Grammy Award winner, but her career is just getting started. Samara was catapulted onto an international stage after winning the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2023. Since then, Samara’s Grammy collection has grown to include winning Best Jazz Performance in 2024 and 2025 and Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2025.  

Ottawa’s jazz fans will see  Samara Joy take the stage at this summer’s 45^th edition of Ottawa Jazz Festival (June 20 to June 29) in Ottawa’s Confederation Park, along with world-class artists like Mavis Stapleton and Gary Clark Jr.  

Just before Samara headed out on yet another tour before her show in Ottawa, CAA Magazine caught up with her to chat about the Grammys, her family – and getting comfortable in stage-worthy clothes.  

Congratulations on all the Grammys! How does that feel? 

Oh, it's pretty surreal, honestly. I never expected to get one, so to be recognized by my peers in this way and to feel such overwhelming support is unreal.  

I was such an introvert in high school. To suddenly feel kind of embraced and this overwhelming sense of we have we have you, we support you, we want you to succeed. It's incredible.  

I hope to continue to do the same for others and spread that same sense of love and support I'm receiving right now. 

You mentioned being an introvert in the music industry. Has that been a challenge? 

When I'm on tour, I'm on the road, I'm kind of in my little bubble, so the only time I really have to socialize is perhaps after the show if I'm doing a signing. In that case, it's not a chore because I love seeing people, signing and taking pictures.  

In terms of events, like networking and connecting with people, there's definitely a limit. I’ll go out for a night or two, then take time at home to recharge before heading out again. 

Your music blends jazz, gospel and R&B so effortlessly. What’s the secret to your unique sound? 

It's pretty organic. My parents listen to Motown, Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. I was surrounded by all those influences and took them in.  

My dad would drive me and my siblings to school and pick us up from school every single day. We had a lot of time to listen to music together and harmonize.  

I started listening to jazz at the end of high school, but I wasn't really into it until I got to college. By then, I was committed to just being a musical sponge.  

I've gotten to a place where I can control all those influences. It's not just one way or the other. I can apply it where I see fit in the music. I think jazz gives me the freedom to do that.  

What is one surprising thing about you? 

I think maybe the most surprising thing about me is that I was a big Disney kid. I was a fan of the shows and the movies. My favourite movie was Hercules, and I could probably sing it front to back. There are so many beautiful orchestrations throughout the Disney legacy of music. 

I'm looking forward to soon being able to play with an orchestra and have strings and a full symphony behind me because it'll probably make me feel like a princess. (laughs) 

Winning Best New Artist in 2023 was a huge milestone. How do you reflect on that now? 

It wasn't something that I was striving for. I was one of the underdogs in the category because everybody else was more famous and had more time in the industry. I was just there to have fun.  

I think the biggest thing it gave me was an introduction and a platform as someone who was kind of unknown or only known within a certain circle; receiving that recognition and being able to build on it was incredible.  

It motivated me to believe in myself further and stay grounded even more because I want to be authentic to who I am and my audience, who continues to support me. 

The same me you see on stage is pretty much the same me, you know, if I'm walking down the street or taking the subway or, you know, going for a walk in the city in New York. 

Humility seems like a strong value for you. Is it rooted in your upbringing? 

Yes. I feel like without that foundation from my parents, I don't know how I would have turned out. 

There were times when we didn't have much, but I didn't know. That took a lot of sacrifice on their part. They sacrificed their dreams and goals to raise me and my siblings and to pour so much love into us.  

That's why all the awards are with them at their house on their shelves; I just can't take credit. I didn't orchestrate this. I feel like I didn't plan all of this out, but I would not have been the kind of person who could handle things with integrity if it hadn't been for their wisdom. 

Winning Grammys three years in a row is incredible—has that success influenced your style for the awards? 

I have to step it up. I was a little reluctant because I'm not a fashion girl. 

Thankfully, I've had so much help over the last couple of years learning from different stylists, my silhouette and learning the kind of dresses I like. I can go into a store now, look at something, and say, okay, no, that's not for me.  

I'm not adventurous, but I know there's value in showing up to these events and even on stage looking good and presenting myself well.  

What message would you want behind the movie version of your life? 
I'm just thinking of the headline. I'm picturing the trailer in my mind. There's a girl with big dreams and no idea how they'll come to pass—a love for music and family. 

And suddenly, her life changes because of one decision to go to one college. Although she's been on a roller coaster of emotions and a whirlwind of a ride, she never forgets what matters most.   

Out of all the legends who have performed at the Ottawa Jazz Festival – Buddy Guy, George Clinton, Norah Jones, Trombone Shorty, and this year’s lineup with Winton Marsalis, Mavis Staples – who would you be most excited to see? 

I really would love to see Mavis Staples perform live, for two reasons. I saw the documentary Summer of Soul about a Harlem festival in the 60s. It was so beautiful and heart-wrenching.  

Another reason is she's obviously a part of the Staple Singers with her dad and her sister.  My mom's favourite song was Respect Yourself, and at one point, she made T-shirts for all of us.  

Mavis Staples is a phenomenon. I love her voice. I love her family and the family singer element. 

See Samara Joy at Jazz Fest 

Take in Samara Joy and this year’s incredible lineup at Ottawa Jazz Festival.  CAA Members save 15% on general admission tickets and get Gate 5 Priority Access by showing their CAA Membership. Plus, Members can rent folding chairs from CAA for free this year.